Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards released the following statement in support of the White House’s initiative to Advance Active science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Education for young children. The White House announcement is in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Invest in US, and various public- and private-sector leaders.

Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman Edwards has promoted STEM programming for students and residents of the 4th Congressional District. Every year she hosts a STEM Forum, which brings students together with experts and professionals from the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. Edwards’ office has also participated in the Congressional App Competition since its inception two years ago, hosting a competition for students to design and build a computer app from scratch. As a founding member of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, she has supported a renewed focus on STEM at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including a tour of Maryland HBCUs to highlight their science and engineering programs.

“We are missing talented young minds as innovators in our 21st Century economy. In order to bridge the innovation gap, we need the inclusion of young people of color and girls as technological innovators,” Edwards said. “It all begins in the classroom with science, math, music, and art. When you motivate teachers to encourage their students to explore STEM fields from the early years of their education, it leads to a brighter future.”

The White House’s STEM learning announcement also follows the efforts of the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and the Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all children can reach their full potential, including underrepresented students in STEM.

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